Sorry it's been so long since our last entry. Now that it is spring I felt it was about time I changed our site news entry.
We are nearing the end of our school year (the kids each have about 3 paces left in each subject), and gearing up for an exciting summer. The plant life is slowly but surely turning green again after the long winter slumber. With that the kids and I have spring fever and want to be outside all the more.

I have a few projects I would like to finish up inside before it is planting time. Painting the upstairs hall and bedrooms is one, and organizing the basement and eliminating unnecessary stuff, is the other. I am just finding it difficult to find the time and energy to do these things - normal every day stuff fills my days.

We are so excited to be going to Ontario in June. We will be flying from Winnipeg on the 14th and staying for 3 weeks. We hope to see all our friends that we miss so much and spend lot's of time with our awesome family. It is almost 4 years now since we moved. We have 2 more children and the older ones have changed so much since then, and we know that all those that we have left behind have also changed. It will be fun to see the differences and catch up from where we left off.

Here is a recipe I made today and we all truly enjoyed it.

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

Cream together:
1 1/2 cups soft butter
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sucunat/sugar
1 tsp peppermint flavoring

Blend together:
1 chocolate cake mix (organic if you have it)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Mix dry into wet, mix well. Add to that 1 cup of peppermint flavored chocolate chips.

Bake large cookies on parchment in 375 oven for 11 minutes or until set in center.

Perfect for ice cream sandwiches made with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Yummy!!!
1 1/2 cups

Happy Christmas to you and your family.

We have been trying very hard to show the kids that Christmas isn't about 'gettin' - it's about the birth of our Saviour and the gift of Salvation that only comes from placing our faith in Him and following Him faithfully in every area of our life. That is the miracle of Christmas. And truthfully it can be Christmas every day.
Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have sinned. And it is the sin that separates up from our Holy God. But John 3:16 says "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son," - that is Christmas. The gift of God. Our creator, humbled himself and became human to save us from our sin. Wow! Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
This gift - is something that we must receive. There is nothing you can possibly do to earn it - you must receive it humbly. Just imagine having a special gift under your tree that you prepared for someone special to you, and that individual tried to pay you for it, or simply would not take it. How would that make you feel?
John 1:12 says "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." But that doesn't mean we just keep walking in our sin - no, he asks us to repent and turn away from our sin and live according to His word. 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Won't you take this time to reflect on the state of your heart? God doesn't want any one of us to perish because of our sin, that is why He sent His son to save us. We all must repent and follow Him - 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
We love you, and believe that more than our personal family update - this is the news you need!

Now a few words about us.
Jay and I are going strong. In 2010 we will celebrate our 15th anniversary. That is SO exciting.
We have a big jar on the fridge that we are collecting our change and extra money in with the hopes we will be able to travel back to Ontario this summer or next. It would be wonderful to see family and friends again. The kids are very good about not getting any allowance or having gifts for Christmas or birthdays - they want to go to Ontario very badly! It would be a great way to celebrate 15 years of marriage and also to wish my dear sister Shari a happy 50th this July. We hope to see you when we come! If I get my wish, we will fly from Winnepeg- but we may have to drive. Ug!
Our kids are doing very well in our home school. Part of our emphasis is to get the kids reading more and learning on their own. They both read - all the time. Good books, to history, texts, God's word, and even Calvin and Hobb's comic's. Can't go wrong with that!
Tobin is soon 11, grade 5 and loves math and science and still enjoys Star Wars lego. Kallista is 8 1/2 and grade 3. She is artistic, musical (plays by ear and sings beautifully) and could happily give up book work. Fiona is 4 1/2 - is attending playschool 2 mornings a week(which she loves), is very particular and sensitive. Sophia is a busy 2 year old. She talks like she is 3, and knows how to use her voice and attitude to manipulate her siblings. And our dear little Josie is 5 months old now. Josie has enormous eyes, an endearing smile - and has earned the name 'Princess Puke Alot' - We are so thrilled to have her in our lives.

Lately we've been getting healthier in our house. We've tried to cut out sugars (hard to do - it's hidden in so many things), eat more raw and fresh foods, we choose organic when we can, and we are taking barleylife too. At first Jay and I would have to pinch our noses so to speak to get the barley drink down - but now we like it - it just makes us feel so good. I have only 3 pounds to go and I will be my prepregnancy weight - wow! The kids are getting 'health' smart too and appreciating the choices we make. Just yesterday we went to a friends farm to pick up fresh raw cows' milk. Like I had when I was on the farm. It is so much better for us. So good!

We have had lot's of winter here in Saskatchewan already. Today we must have seen 5 inches fall. At least! It was very cold a couple weeks ago with temp's dropping to -45 with the windchill. Crazy. At least it's back to normal temp's for the time of year now. The kids are enjoying the winter wonderland outside.

Well, I hear my baby waking up from her nap and I have to get supper in the oven. So, I have to go and get back to life. It's been a nice break sitting here, enjoying the snow fall through the windows of my kitchen and thinking about each and every one of you as I entered your e-mail address above. We miss and love you all so much!

May God richly bless you this year...perhaps more than ever before with His truth and faithfulness abounding in your life!
Love and Hugs,
Tara and of course big hugs and kisses from Jay, and Tobin and Kallista, Fiona and Sophia and Josie too!

Ok. So this summer we prayed and wondered aloud, should we send the kids to school this year? or continue home schooling. In the end, after many lengthy conversations, we felt God was leading us to continue home based education once again. We know that both 'school' as we traditionally know it, and home school have their pro's and con's. But in the end we just can't deny the benefits of having the kids home.
Some of the selfish reasons are the 'non-rush' that we experience every morning. That in itself is great. Less selfishly, there are many character building opportunities that we love being a part of as our children grow and develop into a young man and women.

We are also blessed to be a part of their growing understanding of who God is and His creation - something that is sorely missing from our Public school curriculums. It is nice not having to 'unteach' our kids at the end of the day.

Oh, and there is another bonus - we have our evenings together. While some would think I must be 'overwhelmed' - the opposite is true. I actually enjoy being 'finished' with all the school work early in the day and knowing that each evening we aren't cramming in 'home work' assignments sent home by the teacher. In our past experience, the kids were simply too tired to benefit from all the home work they were sent home with. This way, they do their learning during the 'best' hours of the day.
We are also learning that it is crucial to give our kids a deep love of learning. So our choices of how we teach them are changing slowly but surely. And as it does we are thrilled to see them reaching for books because they want to, and looking up information because they want to...not because they 'have to'.

So there. That was my rant on being 'glad' to be home schooling again this year. While the summer months make me wonder?...hmmm? should I send them...when the school year gets underway - I'm reminded once again of all the joy's of being my kids teacher and mom.

By the way, Josie is doing great! She is 2 months old and smiling and cooing - we are all in love! And Fiona printed her name for the first time today...she is SO proud. And Kalli is learning her cursive writing (it's beautiful - much neater than her printing), Tobin is learning fractions, and Sophia is learning that it's not okay to bite her older sister.

Have a most excellent day!
Tara

Check out
http://www.creation.com

We made it to the hospital just in time. Our little one arrived safely and quickly at the Moosomin Hospital. It was a speedy labor and delivery...not unusual for me. His timing was perfect...He provided a dear friend to come and stay with the kids at home, we made it to the hospital before I needed to push (no kidding), the hospital was quiet and the doctor made it in time, and Jay even had the next day off. He truly took care of all the details...incredible.

She is a healthy little girl. And beautiful too.
Her name means --
God will add, grace, and happiness.

And we believe that is exactly what God has done.

In todays world not many people, even bible believing Christians, are not willing to leave their fertility in the Hands or our very capable Heavenly Father. The Creator of the Universe and ultimately the Maker of each one of us. And so when they hear that you are having your '5th' baby they sort of respond in surprise. But let me be the first to say, that there is no greater joy than handing that area of your life over to Him and trusting Him completely. There is no guarantee that He will actually bless you with a baby...but the peace that fills your heart is worth the act of obedience on your part.

I am just as in love with this, my fifth precious baby, as I was with my 1st.

God is so Good, oh So good to me.
Trust and Obey.

Thank you for all your prayers, for your words of encouragement and love to us all.

Tara and baby are healthy, we drove madly to the hospital at 10:45pm last night and she was born just after midnight (on July 10th). Praise the Lord for a safe delivery! Sorry, no name yet

I know that Sophia doesn't mind that we have all these dandelions in the back yard

Ok, after one very cool spring...I think summery weather is finally here to stay. In fact, today I think this area we live in is the warmest of all Canada today.
We have planted our garden. The kids planted a small 8x8 plot of veggies. A wonderful learning experience I think! Jay has helped me put some flower beds around our porch. We haven't finished around the whole porch, but considering all the other plans we have for this summer...we've done pretty good for this year. We really need to fence an area of our yard in, and install an outdoor tap, among other things.
This pregnancy is coming near an end. I'm in my last month now. And feeling every bit as uncomfortable and tired as the books say I should. Even Sophia gives a good laugh at the size of my tummy. I have been suffering from very swollen feet this time around, and by my shape, the heart rate and the puffiness...all are indications of a boy - but we'll have to wait and see.
The kids finished up their school work the end of May. So they, like me, have focused their attention outside. It's kind of nice during the spring to be able to be out and about, because the bugs aren't quite so bad just yet. And it's not so hot that they are cranky. I like that. For that reason, I think it makes more sense to free up June, and start some of their school work in August.
Home schooling went considerably well this past year. We haven't decided 100% whether to keep them home or send them next fall. However, we did sign Fiona up for preschool 2 mornings a week. She will enjoy herself, I'm sure. Tobin and Kallista would like to be home schooled again...but we will pray about it and seek the Lords' direction for them before me make any final decisions.
Either way, we will get them involved in some different things this next year. Gymnastics for one, perhaps Tobin would like Curling.
Well, Sophia is resting. Kalli and Fiona are playing outside, Tobin is at work with his Dad. I think this is the perfect opportunity for me to get a nap in and put these swollen feet up for a while.
News of the new baby will be coming soon, I'm sure!

Soon we will be celebrating Mothers day. I anticipate homemade cards, hugs and kisses (and if I'm lucky breakfast in bed that morning). But I'm not holding my breathe! Sunday mornings are somewhat hectic getting everyone out the door and ready for church.

Saturday I will be speaking to a group of Ladies at a outreach brunch at our church in Kipling. The subject will be on 'What is True Beauty' the physical outer beauty we too often spend too much time focusing on, or the inner beauty described in God's word as a sweet and quiet spirit - something that also takes time to cultivate and enhance...but it so often overlooked.

And this coming Thursday...our Fiona will be '4'. She's pretty excited about growing up. We plan to take the family to Yorkton to celebrate with a swim. There is a green theme as this is her very favorite colour. I'll be busy decorating a princess cake with green icing just for her!

I am at the 30 week point in my pregnancy. About 8 weeks to go. Much to do before baby arrives.

Happy Mothers Day to all you mom's and grandma's out there. Love and hugs!

Tara

It's always fun to take along one of the kids to a prenatal appointment. Fiona was my companion today and she enjoyed hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time.
I am 28 weeks now, just entering my 3rd trimester. The baby is in a breech position and there will be talk later on of perhaps having to travel to Regina for prenatal care in my later weeks of pregnancy. There is still hope of course that the baby may turn, but if not I will try for a ECV or version: this is when the O.B. attempts to 'turn baby' around to head down position. Anything that helps me avoid a cesarean section is good with me.
The specialist in Regina seems to think I should have the baby in Regina, considering how quickly I have my babies. Personally I would like to be closer to home.
We will just wait and see what happens.

In any case - there is a going to be a new baby in our family and we are excited that God is blessing us yet again.
Yes, they are blessings...a gift from Him. Not burdens like the worldly culture would have you believe.

Oh, I couldn't have had a better day! The sun was so warm. The temp was up to about 18 degrees Celcius and that means that the snow that has been so slow to melt has almost completely disappeared today. It was a LONG winter.
The kids and I spent the whole day outside. To me, this is perfect weather. They helped me pick up garbage from around the yard. I swept the sidewalks and porch and tidied around the house. And to my pleasant surprise I saw some of the 'shoots' from the bulbs I planted last fall poking their heads through the ground. Yeah for spring!
With only 1 1/2 PACES left until the kids wrap up their school year, I thought it was a great day to let school work slide so we could all bask in the beauty of the day. My kids recognized today how that is one of the beauties of home schooling.

Easter was a wonderful celebration again this year. Something we ought to remember every day of the year...that our Lord Jesus has risen - He has risen indeed! Conquering sin on our behalf...thanks be to God for His mercy, his grace and new beginnings for those who choose to ask for His forgiveness and follow Him with their lives. A lot like spring - new beginnings, joy, peace and new life.

Blessings!

For us, February was a great month. Surely not because of the weather...because it was generally too cold to enjoy that. Although, we did have some breaks in the weather and the kids have enjoyed sledding at the 'hill'. It's actually just the big pile of snow from the snow plow in a parking lot about 1/2 block away. But it's been a great place for them to sled and climb and enjoy playing in the snow.

Nope, February was great because we had my Mom come for a visit! We enjoyed having her here with us. The kids were able to get to know their Gramma better with lots of one on one time. She was always knitting away at socks - and finished a pair for Fiona and a pair for Jay while she was here. She sewed some little tu-tu's for the girls to dance around in. They are SO cute. And of course we seemed to be drinking tea all the time. One highlight was our trip to Yorkton to swim, and celebrate Tobins 10th birthday. I'm sure Tobin will always remember having his Gramma here for his special day.

In February, we were all able to see the new baby during my 20 week ultrasound as well. Baby is growing well, and everything looks just fine. The kids we pretty excited to take part and see what it looks like via ultrasound.
It's nice to be over that halfway point...now the baby just needs to grow big and strong, ready for birth this summer.

We are all anticipating spring and the chance to get our bikes out. Another 6-8 weeks of snow, and we should see some green again.